NEW DELHI: Israel's Supreme Court on Monday struck down a key component of Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu
's judicial overhaul.
The court's 8-7 majority decision overturned a law enacted in July, a crucial element of Netanyahu's proposed justice system overhaul. The now-invalidated law aimed to prevent judges from overturning government decisions they deemed "unreasonable." Critics argued that this move by Netanyahu raised concerns about potential corruption and the improper appointment of unqualified individuals to key positions.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has so far not commented on the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The decision marks the first setback in the planned overhaul of Israel's justice system. The contentious reforms had been temporarily halted following the cross-border attack by
Hamas
on October 7, which triggered the ongoing conflict. The attack resulted in the death of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 240 others, prompting Israel to declare war.
While Israel remains focused on the military offensive against Hamas, the Supreme Court's decision threatens to reopen the fault lines that fueled months of mass protests against the government. These protests had previously unsettled the cohesion of the powerful Israeli military.
As per
Gaza
health ministry, Palestine has reported more than 22,000 deaths prompting global calls for a ceasefire.
(With agency inputs)
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